World Day of Remembrance – Madhya Pradesh

Prof K G Suresh, Vice Chancellor, MCU, Chief Guests of the event called upon the youth to understand their responsibility regarding road safety. He asserted that one should wear helmet and seat belts and follow other road safety standards. Students of Jounalism and Communication can play an important role in creating awareness about road safety. Media should make efforts to change the mindset and behavior of the society regarding road safety. He further stated that road accidents rather than crash usually occur due to our fault. Road accidents can be reduced if we follow the rules. He further stated that one should not be careless and overconfident about driving a vehicle. Seat belts and helmets protect you from serious injuries. If we care about ourselves and our family members, then we should not be so careless. He emphasized that most of the victims of road accidents are youth.

Dr Pradip Nandi, Director General, NCHSE said that World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is dedicated to remembering the many millions of road traffic victims throughout the world. This year the day has a special significance as it marks the start of the new Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030. He also presented the Road Safety scenario worldwide as well as in India and the provisions of Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2019 to prevent traffic accidents. He pointed out that as per the Road Accident Report for 2019, published by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways in 2020, road accidents continue as a leading cause of death and disabilities in the country despite commitment and efforts by the GOI and the states. Referring to the report he said that in 2019, 449,002 road accidents caused 151,113 death and injuries to 451,361 persons in the country. This includes 11,249 deaths in 50,669 road accidents in Madhya Pradesh. He said that maximum fatalities or grievous injuries are suffered by the working age group, which not only affect the person suffered the injury but affects the entire family financially. He further added that it is alarming and there is need for create awareness among youth and working group of people to abide by the safety measures including reducing speed/ provisions of the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act 2019.

Shri Manoj Khatri, DSP, Traffic, Bhopal spoke about the action being taken by the state government especially in Bhopal with emphasis on identification of black spots to prevent road accidents to save lives. He discussed the significance of traffic signs in details and stressed upon to consider 4Es – Education, Engineering (Road Construction), Enforcement & Emergency care.

Dr. S.K.Saxena, Senior Surgical Specialist & Civil Surgeon and Former Medical Adviser to Human Rights Commission said that the role of a good Samaritan, especially his/her promptness is very crucial to save lives and thus to reduce fatalities among road accident victims. He highlighted the importance of generation of data and their analysis to develop strategy to save lives of critically injured road accident victims.

Dr. Rahul Tiwari, Assistant Professor of MANIT called upon the participants to make use of technical expertise on mass communication available with them and suggested documentation of field works, writing papers and publishing them to create awareness to prevent traffic accidents and save lives of traffic accident victims.

Ms Deepika Rao and Mr. Suresh Nair, both relatives of Road Traffic Victims, expressed their feeling and traumatic experience when their dear ones suffered injuries due to road accidents and how they had to overcome stress and anxiety.

More than 100 persons, comprising of students of 18-20 age group, faculties, police personnel and few road accident victims and senior citizens participated the workshop. The guests were presented with mementos.

Shri Avinash Shrivastava, Dy Director, NCHSE conducted the programme and Dr. Sanjeev Gupta, Professor of Communication, MCU gave vote of Thanks.

Oath Taking:

Shri Manoj Khari, DSP Traffic, Bhopal administered the oath to the participants to obey traffic rules and act as a Good Samaritan and help road accident victims.

Forming a Chain to advocate Traffic Safety:

Besides the participants of the workshop, university staff participated in forming a chain holding play card having messages of traffic safety within the University Campus to create awareness on traffic safety.

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